as in to trigger
to cause to function
the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of activate
This induces a meditative, parasympathetic state—activating your body’s natural healing processes and reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
The company’s advisory has more information on patching and mitigating the threat, including activating the antivirus on the SharePoint Servers.
—PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
The most important question: Was my inner water sign activated after the massage?
—Jihan Forbes, Allure, 21 July 2025
Police said the 12-year-old was in a marked crosswalk and had activated the crossing signal, which stops all traffic on Iliff.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
The company’s advisory has more information on patching and mitigating the threat, including activating the antivirus on the SharePoint Servers.
—PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
The most important question: Was my inner water sign activated after the massage?
—Jihan Forbes, Allure, 21 July 2025
Police said the 12-year-old was in a marked crosswalk and had activated the crossing signal, which stops all traffic on Iliff.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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In fact, Patrick's frustration with former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, over vouchers and the House's decision to bring 20 impeachment charges against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023 were triggering factors in setting up the speaker's race ahead of the start of session.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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And in diplomacy, room is everything—room to think, adjust and reposition without losing face or triggering escalation.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
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The incident sparked many online and offline conversations and memes.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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This radical lifestyle shift sparked a DIY renaissance.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 July 2025
Verb
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That in turn drove low wages for workers, high staff turnover and limited capacity for children.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
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Holmquist noted an increase in pay for bus drivers and the $11 million spent on stipends to parents who drove their kids to school after cuts were made to magnet transportation.—
Krista Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The vouchers will be powered by donations that individuals can make to what's known as a scholarship granting organization — in exchange for an unprecedented dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.—
The Tennessean,
The Tennessean,
31 July 2025
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This technology powers Waymo’s ride-hailing service, allowing passengers to take trips without a human behind the wheel.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Control rods are used to control the speed of the reactions that generate nuclear fission, and in turn nuclear energy.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
26 July 2025
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If OpenAI fulfills its projections of revenue of more than $125 billion by 2029, the partnership could generate about $99 billion for Microsoft, Bernstein estimated in a June note.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Residents of several communities were ordered to move inland to higher ground.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
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These days, the model keeps a low profile and has completely moved away from the limelight.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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